EN 388 vs ANSI/ISEA 105: Understanding the Key Differences in Hand Protection Safety Standards

When it comes to evaluating the protection levels of work gloves, two major industry standards are recognized worldwide: ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 and EN 388:2016.

The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard, developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), is the U.S. standard for hand protection. More broad in application, EN 388:2016 is the European standard used internationally. Both standards assess cut, abrasion, puncture, and tear resistance, but they are not directly comparable due to their different testing methodologies and classification systems.

Glove Markings and Classification Systems

Each standard utilizes a structured classification system and rigorous testing procedure to ensure that gloves meet specific safety and performance criteria. It is important to understand the classification systems for both standards, as many work gloves will show both marketing on the wrist or back of the hand. ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 provides numeric levels for resistance, while EN 388: 2016 incorporates both numerical ratings and letter grades, offering a comprehensive view of glove protection. By examining these standards, users can gain insights into their similarities and differences, helping to make informed decisions about the most suitable hand protection for various tasks and applications.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016

The ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standard is a widely recognized benchmark for assessing the performance of protective work gloves in the United States. This standard focuses on providing clear and separate testing classifications for various types of resistance, ensuring that gloves meet specific safety and performance criteria for different industrial and occupational hazards.

Separate Markings: The standard has distinct markings for cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance, each tested separately

Classification Levels: Features nine cut levels and five abrasion and puncture levels

Identification: Each level is represented by a unique shield with the protection level indicated numerically, where the higher the number rating indicates the higher the level of protection

Exclusions: Has a separate standard for Impact Resistance (ANSI/ISEA 138-2019)

EN 388: 2016

The EN 388:2016 standard is commonly used for evaluating the protective qualities of gloves, not only in Europe but also gloves sold in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It offers comprehensive testing and rating for multiple types of mechanical hazards, providing users with reliable information about the gloves' performance in various protective categories.

Marking Presence: Commonly found on cut-resistant and non-cut-resistant gloves sold in North America.

Third-Party Testing: Gloves are tested by third party ISO labs for cut, abrasion, puncture, tear, and impact resistance.

Two Cut Ratings: Includes a Coup Test with five numerical levels and a TDM-100 Test (added in 2016) with letter grades A-F for more accurate cut resistance.

Impact Resistance: The impact test is optional and applies only to gloves claiming back-of-the-hand protection. Ratings are P (Pass), F (Fail), or X (not tested).

PIP® has been testing all gloves to both ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 and EN 388:2016 since 2005, offering several advantages to ensure comprehensive protection across various environments and workplace hazards:

• Advanced safety and performance
• Varied testing approaches to assure reliability
• Market versatility and compliance to reach a wider acceptance
• Differentiation to gain competitive edge

Comparing the Testing Methods

Both ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 and EN 388:2016 use various methods to evaluate glove performance, though they differ in their approach.

Navigating ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 and EN 388:2016 for Optimal Hand Protection 

Selecting the right work gloves for your specific needs can make all the difference in ensuring safety and performance on the job. With the complexities of ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 and EN 388:2016, understanding these standards is crucial for making informed decisions.

Our team of hand protection experts are available to help you navigate these standards and find the best solutions for your safety requirements. Contact us for a personalized assessment and tailored recommendations to ensure you choose the perfect work gloves for your needs.